Chapter 136 Husband and Wife Bowing to Each Other

Upon hearing the announcement, Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang were both surprised and delighted, and quickly came out to greet them.

"Brother! Mr. Yu! You're finally back!" Ye Xunyang was the first to rush forward, his face beaming with undisguised joy.

Lou Jin looked at his older brother, who was noticeably thinner but whose eyes were more steady and sharp, and at Yu Beichen beside him, who was tired but had a peaceful aura. He was filled with emotion and stepped forward to pat Lou Jin's shoulder heavily: "It's good that you're back!"

A rare, gentle smile appeared on Lou Yan's usually cold and hard face. His gaze swept over the newly decorated palace and finally landed on Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang: "I rushed here as fast as I could, but thankfully I didn't miss your important event."

He paused, then added, "The affairs of Nanzhao are settled. Princess Arno originally wanted to come in person to offer her congratulations, but there are still some trivial matters that she needs to handle, so it is inconvenient for her to leave. She asked us to bring her congratulatory gifts and blessings, wishing you a long and happy marriage and a lifelong bond."

As he spoke, his attendants carried up several heavy boxes. Inside, besides the unique treasures and curiosities of Nanzhao, there was also a congratulatory couplet written by Arno himself. The calligraphy was elegant yet sharp, and the sentiment was sincere.

"Your Highness is very kind. I will definitely host a banquet to thank you when she comes to the capital again," Lou Jin said solemnly.

Yu Beichen stepped forward and handed a seemingly simple jade box to Ye Xunyang. His cool voice carried a hint of barely perceptible warmth: "These are some rare medicinal herbs that Your Highness and I found in Nanzhao. We prepared some health-preserving pills according to ancient prescriptions. They are... well, beneficial to the body. This is just a small token of our appreciation."

Before he could finish speaking, Ye Xunyang caught a glimpse of Yu Beichen's slightly teasing gaze when he took the jade box. He instantly realized that the "benefit" probably had another meaning, and his cheeks flushed slightly. He quickly thanked him.

Lou Jin's last regret was also filled.

He laughed loudly, "Your Majesty, Mr. Yu has had a long journey! Today we must properly welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey! Tomorrow, we would like you two to be our witnesses!"

Lou Yan nodded, her gaze sweeping over Yu Beichen beside her, a gentle light flashing in her eyes: "Of course."

On September 28th, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.

The entire capital city was in an uproar on this day.

The wedding ceremony held by King Jin Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang, the third son of the Marquis of Zhongyuan and General of the Garrison, was so grand in scale and solemn in procession that it far exceeded the scale of a prince's wedding in the past, making it a rare event in the current dynasty.

The road from the Prince Jin's Mansion to the Marquis Zhongyuan's Mansion had already been cleaned with water and covered with red carpets. Both sides were crowded with people who came to watch the ceremony, creating a bustling atmosphere and a scene of utter desolation.

When the auspicious time arrived, gongs and drums resounded and cannons fired in unison.

Lou Jin, dressed in elaborate and gorgeous princely wedding attire, rode a tall and handsome horse, exuding an imposing aura. He personally led a wedding procession that stretched for miles to the Marquis of Zhongyuan's residence to fetch his princess.

At the gate of the Marquis's mansion, Ye Xunyang, dressed in a royal wedding gown matching Lou Jin's attire, with her hair tied up in a golden crown, her features exquisite, exuding both heroic spirit and beauty, stepped into the magnificent wedding sedan chair decorated with dragons and phoenixes, escorted by her father and brothers and personally helped by Lou Jin.

This time, there was no substitute rooster, and no lackluster ceremony.

Lou Jin held Ye Xunyang's hand tightly throughout the entire process, and together they completed all the tedious and solemn rituals.

In the presence of civil and military officials, members of the royal family, and countless ordinary people, they offered sacrifices to their ancestors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, kowtowed in gratitude for the Emperor's grace in the main hall of the Imperial Palace, and finally returned to the brightly lit and bustling Prince Jin's Mansion to perform the three-bowing ceremony.

In the grand hall, the emperor and empress dowager sat with gratified smiles on their faces.

Ye Qing and his wife sat on the other side watching the ceremony, their eyes filled with pride and blessings as they looked at the perfect couple.

Lou Yan and Yu Beichen sat at the head of the VIP seats. Lou Yan's lips curled slightly, and Mr. Yu's eyes also held a faint smile.

As the master of ceremonies announced their respects, Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang faced each other and bowed deeply.

When they looked up, their eyes reflected each other's images, and the deep affection and happiness that almost overflowed from them.

The ceremony concluded, and cheers and blessings resounded through the sky.

The grand wedding banquet lasted all day, until night fell and the lights came on, at which point the guests gradually dispersed.

Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, and the wedding curtains hung low.

Lou Jin looked at Ye Xunyang's face, which appeared even more exquisite and charming in the candlelight, and his heart was filled with a great sense of satisfaction.

"Xunyang," he called softly, his voice slightly hoarse, "this time, at least you haven't been wronged."

Ye Xunyang looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, a smile mixed with a hint of slyness: "Hmm, this time it's passable. But..."

He deliberately drew out his words, "Does Your Highness still remember that you owe me a trip?"

Lou Jin chuckled softly, pulled him into his arms, and kissed the top of his head: "Of course I remember. How could I forget what I promised you? With my elder brother in the court and the Ye family guarding the border, it's time for us to go and see this vast land."

A month later, the affairs of the Prince Jin's mansion were properly arranged, and the affairs of the court were also stable.

On a crisp autumn morning, two fine horses rode side by side out of the capital.

Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang dressed as ordinary wealthy young men, traveling light and with only a few elite bodyguards with them.

On the city tower, Lou Yan and Yu Beichen stood side by side, watching the two figures gradually receding into the distance, yet always remaining closely intertwined.

"They're finally gone," Lou Yan said calmly, his tone revealing no disdain but rather a subtle ease.

Yu Beichen gazed into the distance, his cool and aloof features softened in the morning light: "This is good."

On the official road, Ye Xunyang reined in his horse, glanced back at the receding outline of the capital, then smiled and spurred his horse to catch up with Lou Jin beside him, riding side by side.

"Your Highness, where shall we go first?" he asked loudly, his voice filled with anticipation for the future.

Lou Jin turned his head to look at his eyes and brows shining in the morning sun, and a gentle and indulgent smile appeared on his lips.

"To the ends of the earth, wherever you wish."

(End of text)